Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Altrincham

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is outstanding

Children blossom in this well-organised, high-quality nursery. They have adapted well to the changes made due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Children understand that their parents no longer come into the nursery. They are warmly welcomed at the main entrance by enthusiastic staff and happily find their friends as they start an exciting, joyful day of learning. Children lead their own play and explore their creative imagination, inspired by the stimulating range of resources, in cosy and comfortable spaces.

They concentrate well and develop a deep curiosity to explore and test out their own ideas. Babies benefit from ...the calm and encouraging staff as they try new experiences. For example, the babies babble gleefully as they pour water from different containers within the water tray.

Children are extremely happy in nursery and show they feel safe. They build strong attachments with the nurturing, highly experienced staff. Children's behaviour is exemplary, they are sociable, confident and form great friendships with each other.

For example, children encourage their friends into nursery by offering to share their toys and inviting them to play. Staff have high expectations for all children and plan an effective curriculum with all children in mind. All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), make notable progress.

What does the early years setting do well and what does it need to do better?

Children's communication skills are a top priority. All staff model an extensive range of vocabulary, meaning that children consistently have opportunities to hear and practise new words. For example, while reading 'Monkey Puzzle', children talk about the monkey's tail as it coils around the tree.

Children and staff use sign language as part of their daily routine to support children's language development. Staff provide excellent opportunities for children to help them become confident in their communication and language. They engage children in rich conversations as they play.

For example, children learn that submarines are used to move around deep in the ocean. Children are confident to ask questions and are consistently encouraged to think and find solutions for themselves.Children are highly motivated and demonstrate high levels of concentration when they are learning new things.

They display wonderful consideration towards each other, and visitors. Children in all rooms greet the inspector on their arrival. Pre-school children politely invite them into the room and show them around.

Children know what time of day it is. They are aware of the daily routine and anticipate what is coming next.Outdoor provision offers an ambitious and innovative curriculum.

The 'indoor/outdoor' classroom further extends physical play opportunities for children of all ages. Children choose to spend much of their day outside and they share the space respectfully.Support for children with SEND is outstanding.

Staff expertly secure timely interventions and target early help. They provide support for children at the earliest opportunity. All children have language screening assessments completed.

Where needed, individual, targeted support plans are created to contribute towards the rapid and substantial progress all children make over short periods of time.Nursery benefits greatly from a well-qualified and experienced management team. They are highly motivated, inspiring and passionate about providing all children with the very best start.

The knowledgeable management team consistently monitors and supports staff practice to ensure high-quality teaching. Managers and staff work together extremely well. Children's learning and development is significantly improved by the resulting staff confidence and sense of well-being.

Leaders ensure that staff access training that aligns with meeting the needs of the children. For example, recent training in children's development supports staff to gain a thorough understanding of the time it takes children to process thoughts. They use this new knowledge to enhance highly purposeful interactions with children.

As a result, staff give children time to respond to questions to develop their critical thinking skills.Partnerships with parents are excellent. Parents report they would not hesitate to recommend the nursery.

They highly commend the staff team and feel a part of their children's learning experience. Parents praise the regular feedback they receive through the online parent app. Parents particularly like the information that is shared to support their learning at home.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.The nursery has a strong focus on safeguarding children and families. The environments, both inside and out, are very well maintained and risk assessed to minimise hazards and keep children safe.

Staff are alert to the signs of abuse. They know the process to follow if they are concerned a child is at risk of harm. Staff have a good understanding of the processes to follow if there is an allegation made against another staff member.

They regularly review their training to ensure their knowledge is up to date. Recruitment procedures are robust. The managers regularly check the ongoing suitability of staff.